I have read several race reports for Diamond in the Rough and all of them sound like a little taste of hell. Is it really that bad? I'm not a strong swimmer and this would be my first international distance race.

What's the general consensus on heat/water temp/wetsuit legality/HILLS on the bike course/etc. etc.?

I (and my wife) found it to be my own little slice of hell. BUT, that was only because last year it fell on one of the hottest days of the year.

Other then that, it is a well run and organized race. It is a nice fresh water swim, hilly bike, and a flat out and back run on a nice paved trail. All open water swimming seems about the same for me until you get into the ocean. If you have done other OWS I would not have an issue saying this is a fun swim.

I live near the course but have never done the race but know people who have so take this for what its worth:

July in MD in Hot and Humid! there is no way around it unless you have an unseasonably cool day. I think what makes this course so difficult is the heat. The bike course is challenging and pretty hilly. Overall I think the heat and time of year just make this race so difficult. If you are going to do it just make sure to hydrate alot and practice your pacing.

Let me start by saying I am not a great swimmer. I have not read the race reports you referenced but the swim is actually fairly calm. I would not classify the water as choppy nor is there a strong current. The onl caveat for this year would be the amount of rain we have had lately. This could make the current stronger than usual. The Susq is higher than normal right now. As for the bike course, I would say it is a challenging course but fun. It has some hills & flats, so there is a bit of everything. The run is flat. Overall, the race is a pretty good race. Oh, one last thing about the swim, I would be surprised if it is wetsuit legal.

I'm gonna keep to my plan and do it. I am a slow swimmer but I am not a scared swimmer, I just don't want to be embarrassed but keep in mind I fell off my bike going into T2 at yesterday's race so I suppose worrying about stuff like that is a waste of time. I am using it as my intro to international distance because I am doing the Olympic distance race in Milwaukee in August.

Thank you for your opinions everyone! You really helped me make my decision!!!!